Am I running really slowly?

I wouldn't worry about it. The main thing is to be able to run for a sustained period, and with that comes speed.

12 minute mile is pretty reasonable for a new runner.

Don't worry about what anyone says about how fast you run. You do what works for you! As you continue, you will surely have more endurance at an increased speed if that is what your goal is. Unless you are in a race or running from the cops, speed isn't the most important thing. Keep it up and you will see the results you are looking for, but don't let anyone else judge how you do it.

Don't worry just run. (*)

Cat,

I started running (more like jogging) in April this year and I'm a fairly big person (I was 323 lbs in April). Back then I could barely run for more than 2 minutes before I had to stop and catch my breath. I did 1.5 miles in about 26 minutes jogging and walking. I've been jogging for as much as I can (I try to go every day) and I've been at it for the 6th month now.

I now weigh 281 lbs and I tested myself in my 4 mile jog route. I did 4 miles in 57 minutes which translated to 13:43 mph. To get a more accurate time the next day I decided to do a 1.5 mile run and I finished it in 17:30 minutes. I improved by almost 9 minutes from my initial 1.5 mile time in April in the next 6 months.

I'm getting better and I finally found my comfort zone in jogging pace where I can keep going without stopping. Since August I've been alternating between two routes, a 3 mile route and a 4 mile route, so I try to make it my goal to do at least 40-50 miles per month. I do feel like I am going slow, and you're still faster than me, but I do feel like I am getting stronger and building up my endurance by quite a lot.

Track your progress and see how you compare between the months because I do believe our bodies are getting more and more adjusted to the running routine and the longer we keep it up the better we will perform.

The #1 thing that I always think about is trying to improve my best times. I did that this month and I felt really really happy with myself, so next month I'll try to beat that time.

That guy is an idiot. I am glad you will keep running. I walk about 20 minute miles so I think you are a speed demon. it's all relative

That guy. Pshaw! Tell him: "Shut UP dude!"
God, we all run at our own pace. We all tend to get faster if we keep at it and work. That is what it is all about.
I could run about 300 yards when I started. Now, I can run miles and miles.
Forget that idiot. Why would someone say such a thing?

When I began walking/running every day my BMI was at 28, 2 points below Obese Level 1. That was July 2013. I ran a 1.75 mile loop with a 12:40 pace. I caught my breath and power walked the same loop with a 14:40 pace.

Fast forward to now, age 52, 50 lbs. lighter with a BMI under 21. I average running a 9:40 pace and average power walking a 13:10 pace.

All of these paces are what I could comfortably sustain for my weight and fitness level for up to 60 minutes without having to stop to rest.

You are doing great running at a 12:00 pace. Just keep moving, either running or walking.

I started running at 242lbs and my miles were about 14 min miles when i could finally run a whole mile at a time. I started running one minute at a time I've been running outside for over two years now and my endurance has improved which also translates to a faster mile. I ran 13.33 miles on monday and my avg pace was 10.20 min miles according to my garmin forerunner. I know that doesn't seem that fast but i run a lot slower for my long runs. I wouldn't worry about your mile time unless you plan on running competitively. Enjoy your runs, don't let others get you down on yourself. Your runs will get longer and faster w time

When I finished C25K I was about 13 min per mile so 12 min sounds great to me. That was last summer. When I run I always just run the 5K program so I run for 30 minutes and I am around 10:30. That is with missing weeks of running at a time. You do get better as time goes along.

That guy is a jerk to say that to you.

If you feel like you are pushing yourself, then it does not matter how fast you are. You're actually sprinting compared to me. I jog a 16 minute mile and I can't do it any faster without stopping every couple of minutes. I do feel I'm pushing myself so that's all that matters.

I'm currently gradually increasing time before I start working on speed. If you are content with your time and want to work on your speed you may want to try to run ever so slightly faster, to make a mile in 11.5 minutes and go from there. That's what I will be doing once I can run 45 minutes nonstop without walking breaks.

Just decide what your goal is and gradually work on it. Personally I don't think sprints or marathons are my thing. I'm more of a 5k person.

Don't worry, it takes me 17 minutes to run a mile. Just remember that motivation poster 'no matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch' :-)

catpea33 wrote: »

Hey,

I'm fairly new to running (or rather, I've only just got back into it) and I run about 12 minutes/mile for my speed. I can run faster but can't maintain a faster speed for any great distance because my endurance isn't there. In the past when I was running fairly regularly but was still relatively new (<6 months), I was running at about 10 minutes/mile but, again, it wasn't something I could maintain for very long. A guy today told me that I am 'super slow' and so now I'm starting to feel really discouraged. I mean, I love running and will continue regardless but it's definitely dented my self-confidence a little. Does anyone else run this slowly? Did you get faster?

I guess I should mention as well that I used to be a competitive swimmer and middle distances were more of my thing. I wasn't much of a sprinter. Do you think that would translate into running too, i.e. I'd be better at the longer distances where you get to plod a little more?

Cat

I only run "fast" when I race. In my daily training, I run about 2.5min slower than my 5K pace, and about 1min slower than my marathon pace. When I first started out, everything was at the same pace, and I got nowhere for almost a year (in constant pain, lots of recovery days, and frustration with race results) until I slowed down. My aerobic capacity improved, I was able to run longer, I was recovering faster, and most importantly, I was able to start running more. So... it's ok

I can't wait to be doing 12 minute miles! You're a rockstar. Don't worry about him.

The guy is full of cr*p. You're out there running for you, not for him.

catpea33 wrote: »

I can run faster but can't maintain a faster speed for any great distance because my endurance isn't there.

Well, there you go. Keep it slower and build up your endurance. The longer you've been running and the more miles you run per week, the better your endurance will be. Just be patient and do it correctly.